A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Good turns are predictable turns: signal early, turn from the correct lane, and finish in the lane that crosses the fewest other lanes. Turning around has its own strict limits.
Know the rule
With no signs or markings, turn from the lane closest to the direction you want to go into the lane closest to the one you came from. Go lane to lane directly; change lanes after the turn if needed.
On right turns, don't swing wide to the left first — the driver behind may think you're turning left and pass on your right — or swing wide as you finish.
On left turns, don't cut the corner so sharply that you hit someone approaching from the left, but leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you.
Never turn around on a busy street or near a curve or hill — it's illegal and dangerous. You may turn around only with 500 feet (almost two city blocks) of clear view both ways and no vehicles approaching.
You want to turn around on a rural highway, but a hill crests about 300 feet ahead. Keep going until you find a spot with 500 feet of clear view in both directions and no traffic coming.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When making a right turn, where should you position your vehicle as you complete the turn?
In the center of the intersection
Swung wide into the left lane first
As close as practical to the right edge
Wherever there is the least traffic
Answer: As close as practical to the right edge
Right turns should be made as close as practical to the right edge of the curb or roadway, without swinging wide.
